Astronaut Hammond thought it could be readied in a week.
For a rescue mission you'd probably only need two astronauts (commander, pilot, both trained in EVA), use of the Canada arm and set up the crew cabin for nine to return.
The total length on orbit would probably only need to be a few days. Columbia might then be placed in a higher orbit for later repairs.
You do not just shave thirty days off of the prelaunch schedule without consequence.
With conservation, starting early, the crew of the Columbia could have lasted at least that long.
And I pointed out that the Shuttle would be crewed for over six weeks...whereupon you said:
Astronaut Hammond thought it could be readied in a week.
Which brings me back to the point that you do not shave almost an entire month off of the launch prep without serious consequences.
You're arguing both sides at the same time, whichever is useful for bashing NASA. Are you a trial lawyer?
Ok, fine! I give up. NASA WANTED THOSE ASTRONAUTS TO DIE! They just didn't give a shit, had tickets to a ballgame or something, and decided that those 7 people were expendable. Is that what you want to hear?
Heaven forbid something happens to someone you care about. I can't wait to be in your face demanding to know why you didn't simply take your wife in for 87 brain scans when you heard she had a headache. HOW DARE YOU be so negligent!